Call for abstracts

Poster Presentation Guidelines
AKMG is looking forward to your participation and poster presentation at the 2016 Annual Convention. 2016 AKMG convention Scientific Committee invites all members, Children (High School/ Undergraduate/ Medical students/ residents/ fellows) to submit their research abstracts for presentation at the 2016 AKMG Convention, in Miami Beach, FL.
Abstract Submission opens: March 1st, 2016 (at 12am. EST.)
Deadline for Submission: June 14th, 2016 (at 12am. EST.)
* Best Poster awards for winners in each category; winners are invited for oral presentation of their abstracts at the National Meeting.

Submissions: Abstracts should be emailed to rojymonjacob@hotmail.com and parames@mcmaster.ca, with the subject line "Scientific Presentation 2016 AKMG"
For details of Abstract Preparation Guidelines, please see attached document or visit AKMG.org, and look for the 2016 convention page.

Purpose
The purpose of the National Conference poster competition is to stimulate research by High School/ Undergraduate/ Medical students and residents and fellows, to provide a venue to share innovative and effective educational programs, to showcase unique medical projects, and to encourage networking among students, residents and fellows with similar interests.

Abstract Categories
1. Clinical sciences and patient-based research
2. Basic science research

Submission Requirements
All projects must be completed at time of application. The printed poster is not needed until the time of National Conference. Entries may not be taken from previously published papers. The subject of the poster presentation may be based on coursework or an extracurricular activity. Presenters must be willing to pay for and attend the 2016 AKMG National Convention and be present at their display during select exhibit hours.
Instructions for Submission: Poster title, Author name(s), Contact information, Short abstract (not to exceed 200 words). Full abstract as an attached document (not to exceed five pages, excluding Reference page for Clinical Inquiry entries).
IRB approval/exemption document as an attachment; required if project involves human subjects.

Abstract Preparation Guidelines
* Research presented at other national meetings is accepted but published papers are excluded from the abstract competition.
* Published studies by AKMG members may be submitted for special mention/posters but will not be included in the research competition.

Abstract Evaluation
The Scientific Committee shall review each abstract based on the six criteria listed below:
1. Background and rationale for study (0-4)
Does the background clearly state the scientific question the study will help to resolve?
Are key background data or issues presented to set the stage for the study?
Is the objective of the study clear?

2. Appropriateness of methods (0-4)
Do the selected methods correspond with the nature of study and study questions?
Is there a clear and easy-to-follow sequence of methods? Are they described with precision?
Are relevant comparisons made using the data? Are appropriate statistical tests used?

3. Presentation of results (0-4)
Is there sufficient data and is the methodology adequate to obtain the results?
Do the results logically follow the described methods?
Are study results appropriately summarized?

4. Conclusions and interpretations of results (0-4)
Does the conclusion have its principal basis in the data? Is the conclusion a logical inference made from the key results?
Does the conclusion answer the problem and objectives stated in the background?
Are the findings and their interpretation consistent with existing scientific knowledge?

5. Clinical/ scientific significance (0-4)
Does this study, in both topic and results, have an obvious application to improving clinical/ scientific knowledge?
Do the data solves an immediate problem or build on existing knowledge (and not simply repeat what is already known)?

6. Overall clarity of the abstract (0-4)
Is the writing clear and brief?
Is there a logical sequence and cohesiveness among all abstract sections?
Are proper and simple terms used to describe methods and discuss findings?

Poster/ Oral Presentations: All Abstracts (unless requested by the author) shall be considered for author-attended Poster presentation or Oral presentation at the National AKMG Meeting. Authors will have three minutes to present their poster. Author(s) will be required to staff their poster display during select exhibit hours at National Conference. On-site judging will be held on July 15 during select exhibit hours. Posters will be displayed in designated area at National Conference. Costs associated with creating, shipping, and storing the poster display will be the responsibility of the authors.

Purpose of a Poster Presentation
• Acquaint conference participants with the fundamentals of your program, project, or study quickly and easily.
• Use text, graphs, tables, charts, and pictures to present only highlights.
• Catch your viewers' attention.
• Make the viewer want to learn more about your program, project, or study.

Designing an Effective Poster
Your poster should fit on a poster board that is 4 ft wide x 8 ft high (1.2 m wide x 2.4 m high). The exact poster dimensions are up to poster presenters, but it is recommended to be no larger than 4 ft wide x 5 ft high for ease of vertical viewing.

The following guidelines are recommended when organizing your poster:
• Include the abstract title and all authors at the top.
• Posters should be readable by viewers from up to five feet away.
• The message should be clear and understandable without oral explanation.
• Keep any text brief.
• Do not use all capital letters.
• Use graphics (i.e., charts, tables, pictures) that can be understood in one minute or less.
• Ideas should flow from panel to panel logically.
• Describe all parts of the project/study, including why the outcome did or did not work as expected.

The viewer should gain new knowledge or insight by visiting your poster. Consider providing a handout summarizing your research, and include your contact information or be sure to have your business cards available.
Find templates at:
http://www.posterpresentations.com/html/free_poster_templates.html
http://www.makesigns.com/SciPosters_Templates.aspx
http://www.postersession.com/templates.php

Poster Hall Etiquette
Hang your poster during the assigned poster hanging times. Please do not use this time to preview other posters. Once you have placed your poster please exit the poster hall. Stand by your poster for the duration of the poster session.
Poster Hanging/Removal Times: Will be provided on registration.

Awards:
The best abstract submissions (in each category) will be awarded prizes, at the Poster Session. The poster presentation author, a co-author, or a representative must be present to accept the award at the poster award ceremony. Monetary Awards: Any monetary award or Travel grant offered by AKMG is not to be considered an obligation of AKMG or AKMG Charitable foundation. Prior to receiving the check, each winner will be required to fill out any appropriate tax forms. Winners have the option to decline monetary awards.

Non-Discrimination Statement
The AKMG Scientific Committee is committed to Non-discrimination based on race, religion, gender, age, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, or disability. Each scientific submission shall be evaluated solely based on above stated criteria.

For additional questions please contact:

Dr. Parameswaran Nair or
Dr. Rojymon Jacob
The Scientific Committee Co-Chairs